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Fundamentals of Public Speaking: Using Nonverbal Cues

I just completed two days of presentation skills training with a large government agency and wanted to briefly share some thoughts about body language and nonverbal communications that came up repeatedly. First, it is essential that presenters think about and prepare for what they want to do with their body during a presentation. We tend to spend most of our time planning for WHAT we are going to say, but completely neglect HOW we are going to say it. The way you stand, your facial expression, your ability to make eye contact and what you do with your hands can each amplify or distract from the potential impact of your presentation. The way you stand. The most powerful way to stand is feet about should width apart, shoulders square and hands at your sides. Try standing that way. Do you …


A Speech that Shapes Our Lives Nearly 50 Years Later: "I Have a Dream"

No single speech during the 20th Century shaped the lives of 21st Century Americans as did the "I Have a Dream" speech on August 28, 1963. It is great to be able to share it with you -- both the video of the speech and the text below.   In our Presentation Skills Training session, we often examine aspects of this speech and extract lessons for all presenters. Two very simple things that every speaker can do include: Using repetition. Dr. King repeats key phrases such as “100 years later…” This can help to establish a theme, making clear to the audience those elements of the presentation that are important. Later, repetition is used with the phrases, “I have a dream,” and “Let freedom ring,” both of which are central to the story being told. Creating pictures with words. By using opposites, as he’s …


Warren Buffett endorses presentation skills training

I am a big fan of Warren Buffett (my Aunt Margie -- maiden name Margie Lee Canaday -- was his classmate in Omaha and was even mentioned in his autobiography, Snowball), so I carved out some time this week to watch his town hall event with Bill Gates at Columbia Business School students on CNBC. Now, it is one thing for me to try to explain to executives the value of our Media Interview Skills Training and Presentation Skills Training services, but to have Warren Buffett put it into dollars and cents -- that takes it to another level!   So when Mr. Buffett explained that improving communications skills can increase the future earnings potential of executives by 50 percent -- which conservatively translates into about a half million dollars for the average college graduate -- it was music to my ears! You could improve on that (he's referring to …


Study Questions a Fundamental of Public Speaking Training

People seek public speaking training to be smooth, professional presenters. But a new study reports speakers who are not smooth can actually be better at delivering their points. DPK Public Relations examines what the study really found and how presenters can use the findings to improve their delivery.


Defining PowerPoint''s Proper Place in Presentations

PowerPoint is marking its 20th anniversary, but there remains a general misunderstanding of its role in helping presenters grab an audience. Click here to find out why your presentations are so yawn inducing.


Presentation Skills Training: Maximizing Success in the Q&A

The Q&A portion of a presentation may seem like an opportunity to relax, but skilled speakers have a strategy for the Q&A. This article describes the benefits of considering the Q&A as a seamless part of the presentation.


  • Released: March 28th, 2007 07:00 PM
  • Author: Dan Keeney
  • Phone: (832) 467-2904
  • Fax: (832) 467-2909
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  • Website: http://www.keeneypr.com

Harnessing the Power of Facial Expression and Eye Contact

While facial expressions and eye contact are technically not body language, they do contribute to nonverbal communication and can have a significant impact on a spokesperson''s ability to connect with the audience and get his or her point across. Relax your inhibitions and allow yourself to respond naturally to your thoughts, attitudes and emotions.


  • Released: May 09th, 2006 06:00 PM
  • Author: Dan Keeney
  • Phone: (832) 467-2904
  • Fax: (832) 467-2909
  • Email:
  • Website: http://www.keeneypr.com

Why Great Presenters Are Like Great Athletes

Presenters who want more control over their voice, breathing and ability to read aloud need to realize these skills all depend on muscles. As is the case with athletes, these muscles need occasional exercise if you expect them to perform at the highest level on demand.


  • Released: May 03rd, 2006 10:00 PM
  • Author: Dan Keeney
  • Phone: (832) 467-2904
  • Fax: (832) 467-2909
  • Email:
  • Website: http://www.keeneypr.com